Museums have always been a staple on my solo adventures. I love places where I can explore at my own pace, take in new perspectives, and not feel pressured to interact constantly, while still being around other humans. The Autry Museum of the American West in Los Angeles was the perfect spot for just that. Founded in 1988 by Gene Autry, the museum showcases the diverse stories of the American West, with exhibits on Indigenous cultures, Hollywood’s portrayal of the West, Mexican American Culture and contemporary Western artists. It’s a fantastic mix of history, culture, and art—all in a setting that lets you take your time and absorb it all. Here’s what to know about a visit the Autry Museum.
Why A Visit to the Autry Museum is a Good Fit for Solo Travelers
- No Rushed Conversations – When you visit a museum solo, there’s no need to rush through exhibits because someone else is ready to move on. I spent extra time in the “Imagined Wests” exhibit during my visit, appreciating how Hollywood shaped (and sometimes distorted) perceptions of the West.
- Headphone-Friendly – The museum’s quiet ambiance makes it a great place to put in headphones and listen to an audio guide or your favorite playlist while wandering through exhibits. I removed them at moments I felt like being open to human interaction and conversations with strangers, then popped them back in when I felt more introspective.
- Plenty of Seating – If you like to sit and reflect, the museum offers plenty of seating areas to take a break and soak in the environment. It has multiple levels and so many distinct spaces, and I didn’t want to rush.
- Beautiful Outdoor Space – The museum’s garden is a peaceful retreat, perfect for journaling or just sitting with your thoughts. Although, there was a school group there on the day I visited and there were many kids running around enjoying the space. I didn’t mind, and it was nice to see kids running around in the outdoors!
Accessibility at the Autry Museum
The museum is fully wheelchair accessible, with elevators, ramps, and wide pathways. Service animals are welcome, and there are assistive listening devices available. Parking is free, and there are a lot of accessible parking spots close to the entrance.
Teachers: What You Need to Know About Visiting with Students
The Autry Museum has a curriculum for you! They have hundreds of educational resources for PreK-12 classes (and beyond). There are entire lessons and resources at your disposal in Art, ELA, Environment, Science, and Social Studies. There are several types learning formats too. From Digital Stories, to Fun Actives, Videos, and Webinars, the Educational Resources page has something to enrich your curriculum. They have materials that you can use without requiring a visit to the museum. But, I highly recommend you experience this special place with your students. Plus, it’s one of the cheaper ticket prices for student groups at just $2 per person! You can see what to know about visiting the Autry Museum with students here.
Planning Your Visit
- Location: 4700 Western Heritage Way, Los Angeles, CA 90027- Directly across from the L.A. Zoo
- Hours: Typically 10 AM – 4 PM (5PM on Sat/Sun), closed on Mondays (check the website for updates)
- Admission: General adult tickets are about $16, with discounts for seniors, students, and children.
- Free Days: Pre-Registration is required the day before, so check the website for details. I attended one of these days and they did turn away another person because she was not pre-registered even though the museum was not busy at all. Friendly, but strict on that policy.
- Best Time to Go: Weekdays or early mornings tend to be the quietest times
- See my Instagram Reel Here: The Autry Museum
